It works both ways

As librarians, a huge part of job is providing what in the profession is called "reader's advisory". That is people coming into the library looking to us for inspiration and suggestions as to what they can read. The reading experience is often so personal and subjective, that this exercise can be very hit and miss. Most librarians have also probably experienced the panic of a completely blank space in their minds when someone asks "Can you suggest a good read?" which is sometimes my natural reaction to the question. Why can I think of a hundred books and titles in the comfort of my own workstation, but not manage to recall one with the expectant face in front of me?

A bonus of the job is that reader's advisory actually works both ways. Often one of our customers will come in and tell us that a book was a particularly good read, which puts us onto another good title for ourselves. That's if they haven't already recommended it to a dozen friends who have all put holds on it.

This happened lately when a Warkworth patron recommended No Time for Goodbye (Linwood Barclay) to Lisa. A copy of the book (we have several at Rodney) is now on to the third or fourth member of staff and so far we have all enjoyed it. The story follows the tale of Cynthia, who as a teenager, woke up one morning with a nasty hangover, dreading the confrontation with her parents. What she actually found was an empty house with no sign of her parents or her brother. Twenty five years later, the mystery of what happened is no closer to being solved and haunts Cynthia. It's one simple idea that the author pulls apart and puts back together again in a page-turning way, much the same as Jodi Picoult does, although another reviewer and fellow author likened his writing to Harlan Coben. This title is also available in large print and audio book.

The latest Linwood Barclay novel has just hit the shelves of the Rodney Library. Too Close to Home has a cover byline "What's more frightening than your neighbours being murdered? Finding the killers went to the wrong house...". It certainly sounds intriguing. I am already a couple of chapters in so will keep you posted.

Linwood Barclay is a Canadian who previously was a newspaper humour columnist. You can check out his career on his own website . He is currently touring New Zealand promoting his books including his next book "Fear the Worst". He will be at the Takapuna Library next Monday, July 27 between 12 noon and 1.00 pm. Admission is $2 but you will need to RSVP to Helen by phone at (09) 486 8469 or by email at helenw@shorelibraries.co.nz to make sure there is space for you.